From the Guardian · · 1m 50s
Alice Springs metal venue hits $1m rescue goal
The Black Wreath raised $1m from supporters trying to save central Australia’s only dedicated live music venue.
In brief
The Black Wreath raised $1m from supporters trying to save central Australia’s only dedicated live music venue. The Black Wreath’s survival now depends on turning community momentum into a purchase deal and lasting funding. Originally reported by the Guardian.
A desert venue rallies
Alice Springs has 34,000 people and one dedicated live music space, the Black Wreath. The heavy metal venue has hosted hundreds of bands despite being 1,500km from the nearest city.
“a heavy metal venue called the Black Wreath”
A sale threatened everything
When the building’s owners planned to sell, the volunteer operators negotiated more time and launched a campaign to buy the venue and place it in a trust.
“save the desert venue”
Supporters hit $1m
A month-long Pozible fundraiser reached its $1m target on Friday, with donations ranging from $20 to $10,000 from across Australia.
“We’re feeling very overwhelmed and a lot of gratitude.”
The gap remains
The owners are asking $1.23m, so the venue is still short. Pirate wants more philanthropy and hopes major bands will help push the rescue over the line.
“step one”
Built from nothing
The Black Wreath began with three bands, a record label and backyard studios. It later turned a run-down industrial building into a hub with a studio, rehearsal rooms and a stage.
“put Alice Springs on the map”
Metal found a home
Pirate links the town’s love of metal to isolation, frustration and young people searching for a bigger community beyond Alice Springs.
“Metal is a global community.”
More than metal
The venue now serves many scenes, including First Nations communities, queer locals, punks, rockers, hip-hop artists and electronic music fans.
“every genre of music”
Isolation makes it costly
Touring costs are high, alcohol sales are rare, and Pirate volunteers without a wage while using day-job income to help keep the venue alive.
“The cost of travel for bringing artists out here is just astronomical”
A wider fight
Pirate hopes the campaign proves communities can defend live music venues during a hard period for the industry.
“the power is in our hands”
What matters most
The Black Wreath’s survival now depends on turning community momentum into a purchase deal and lasting funding.
